The 1st Myanmar's Private and International Education Fair will showcase more than 100 of preschools, international schools, colleges, universities and institutions, an education platform enable parents and students itself to find the right school for further education. It will be the first major international event for the education expo in the country. MPIEF 2019 featuring both local…
Myanmar’s manufacturing sector reached a turning point in 2018 as liberalisation, tax reforms, infrastructure improvements and the development of special economic zones (SEZs) helped turn the country from a low-cost regional production base to a rising manufacturing destination with capacity on the rise. The sector has an advantage due to the country’s relatively low operating costs, favourable…
Myanmar is well known for the untapped potential of its extensive mineral portfolio. Home to the world’s largest deposits of jade and some of the most sought-after rubies, it also has substantial deposits of lucrative metals as well as industrial minerals. Despite significant deposits, foreign investment across Myanmar’s mining sector has lagged behind other key industries due to misadministration,…
Myanmar’s retail segment has boomed in the years since the economy was liberalised, with foreign goods hitting the market and local sellers making their offer more sophisticated. Legacy retail conglomerates are investing in Western-style upgrades to supermarkets and malls, and foreign investors are entering into joint ventures to bring technical know-how. Foreign loans and investment in the…
With the adoption of well-structured and pertinent legislation, Myanmar’s mining sector is taking the necessary steps to encourage much-needed foreign investment. Following the passing of amended mining legislation in 2015 and the publication of new Mining Rules in February 2018, policymakers have strengthened the sector’s legal structure, addressed investor concerns and eliminated inconsistencies…
Myanmar’s growing retail sector received a boost in 2018 with regulations aimed at encouraging foreign investment in the sector and the economy as a whole, with more foreign brands now entering the market. Foreign investment laws and regulations governing the retail sector were reformed in recent years, paving the way for more foreign players in the local market. In August 2018 the Myanmar…
Daw Win Win Tint: Interview What factors do investors need to consider when doing business in retail in Myanmar? DAW WIN WIN TINT: There are three essential factors that investors need to consider. First, the investor needs to understand and become familiar with the country’s regulations and procedures related to the retail and wholesale sector. Second, it is important for them to identify market…
Interview:U Win Aung What benefits have been generated so far by the Thilawa SEZ, and what are the main priorities for its development in the future? U WIN AUNG: The Thilawa SEZ is at a turning point. In recent years, Thilawa has faced a shortage of certain utilities, particularly electricity. However, thanks to Japan’s Official Development Assistance, power supply was secured in the industrial…
Interview:Fred Hess How have changes to the legal framework affected levels of foreign direct investment (FDI)? FRED HESS: While it is difficult to draw any linkages between the recent changes to legislation and FDI in general, recent changes to the legal framework are encouraging as are the efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation (MNREC) to effectively implement…
Myanmar instituted sweeping increases to the national minimum wage in 2018, boosting the rate to MMK4800 ($3.40) per eight-hour day, up from the MMK3600 ($2.55) rate set in September 2015. The changes come as Myanmar’s fast-paced growth draws an increasing number of rural workers into the larger cities for employment in the surging garment and light manufacturing sectors. Faced with high…
